The Billionaire Gardener

Chapter Six

Victor Sterling thought the weekend would never be over, but he was glad it finally was.

“Today is the day I will be announced as the successor of Mr. Rovers. Make sure everything is in place for the celebration later in the evening,” he said to his secretary as he stepped down from his Rovers Bugatti, a luxurious masterpiece from Rovers Motors. As the Executive Director of Rovers Group of companies, all other directors reported to him, and he reported to the deceased Mr. Rovers.

“Yes, Mr. Sterling. Everything is in order. I will put the finishing touches. Let me know if there is anything else you need me to do.” Sabrina Rolls, a gorgeous secretary, seemed to harbor a secret admiration for her boss, Victor. She wished he could be hers.

“Nothing for now. I will get myself ready for the Attorney’s arrival. You can go and tidy things up.”

They were on the premises of the headquarters of Rovers Group of Companies.

“One moment, sir,” and Sabrina pretended to brush off a non-existing speck from Victor’s expensive tuxedo. He waved her off and walked towards the big building that housed the conference room where the announcement would be made.

Greetings of congratulations from other workers met him as he moved. He felt on top of the world.

Inside the conference room, all five directors were already seated. Attorney Smith had called the meeting and informed them that he would be announcing the successor of Mr. Rovers, who would take up the affairs of everything Rovers from where he stopped.

John Stevens is the director of Rovers Motors, which specializes in automobile manufacturing and producing luxury/high-performance vehicles.

Emily Harris is the director of Rovers Fashion, a high-end fashion brand producing unisex clothing and accessories.

Richard Anderson is the director of Rovers Aviation, operating in the aviation industry.

Sophie Thompson is the director of Rovers Hotels and Resorts.

David Miller is the director of Rovers Estates, which oversees the company's real estate ventures.

“This meeting is so unnecessary. Who doesn’t know Victor is the successor?” John Stevens said.

“What made you think so? It could be someone else.” Richard Anderson obviously does not like Victor Sterling.

“Someone else? Mr. Sterling has been working with Rovers for 21 years, and he was close to Mr. Rovers. He is also the Director of Directors. So, tell me who else if not him.” Sophie Thompson

David Miller nodded in agreement.

“Emily, why are you quiet?” Asked Sophie

“Because I don’t want to be caught on camera gossiping.” Emily’s statement reminded them that there were CCTVs everywhere, so they stopped talking.

Just then, Victor walked in majestically.

“Congratulations, Mr. Sterling!” They all said except Richard who looked at Victor disdainfully.

“Thank you. I can’t wait to take Rovers Group to the next level. It’s going to be a sweet ride. Even I cannot wait.” Victor took his seat at the top of the table. Usually, that was Mr. Rovers’ seat.

“I’m sorry everyone for keeping you waiting. I ran into some technical emergency.” Attorney Smith’s voice announced his presence. He took his seat at the other end of the table just directly opposite Victor.

“It’s fine, Attorney. I won’t take that from you next time though. Go on with the announcement.” Victor rested back on the chair and crossed his legs. Pride was written all over him.

Attorney Smith ignored him and went on to do some introduction before the announcement.

“According to Mr. Rovers’s will, his successor is,…” He paused for emphasis and Victor prepared himself to stand up.

“…Mr. R.R.”

Waves of shock ran across the room. Who was Mr. R.R.? No one in the gathering went by that name.

“R? R.R.? Wait! What? Richard? You?” Victor looked angry. How could Richard be placed over him?

“No. Not Richard Anderson. That’s R.A., not R.R. For reasons best known to the new CEO, he wants his identity hidden for a year. So, you all can refer to him as Mr. R.R. He is Mr. Rovers’ choice. After a year, he will be publicly announced. Please bear with us.”

There was silence. Victor was too shocked to talk. He felt betrayed. Richard’s joy knew no bounds as he silently rejoiced that it was not Victor. He didn’t care who the new CEO is so far as it’s not Victor. He fixed his eyes on him, carefully studying his reaction.

“The new CEO will address us now.” Ralph’s voice came up on the screen as he gave his acceptance and introductory speech. Attorney Smith wasn’t sure they were listening.

Ralph sat behind a laptop in Attorney Smith’s office. He had just finished talking to the directors of Rovers Group. He learned how to use a computer in Vernice when he was working at a games pub, so he was skilled in using it. Ralph had used voice effects so his voice would not be traced back to him should he meet any of them in person.

He stood up and peeped to see if the coast was clear. Then, he went out of the office into the courtyard. He was about to ride off on his bicycle when he saw a familiar face step out of her parked car. She had already seen him, so he could not hide.

“Ralph? Is that you?” That was Helen Lewis, his wife’s best friend.

“Hello, Helen.”

She looked at him disgustingly. “What business do you have here at Smith’s Chambers? You don’t have any property except your filthy bicycle. Or are you in some sort of trouble?”

"I have property that surpass your comprehension and generations to come." Ralph almost said that out but changed it.

“I need Attorney Smith’s help in securing my job.”

“Oh! Now that your boss is no more, you are afraid Victor Sterling will fire you. Such a smart move. I didn’t know you were this intelligent.”

“Yeah. Much more intelligent than anyone in your generation.” Ralph did not wait for her response as he quickly rode off. He could imagine the hurting look on Helen’s face as she flung her car keys towards him.